RAFA BENITEZ admitted his Liverpool players must raise their game for their final 14 Premiership games if they are to secure Champions League qualification.

RAFA BENITEZ admitted his Liverpool players must raise their game for their final 14 Premiership games if they are to secure Champions League qualification.

The Reds travel to rivals Charlton badly in need of an upturn in league form as they trail Everton by seven points.

Consecutive defeats in the league to Manchester United and Southampton have left the club facing a tough task to close the gap and Benitez knows the stakes are high.

"When it's three points for a win, a seven point difference is a big gap, but not an impossible one," said Benitez today.

"The main objective for us at the moment is to be a lot more consistent. We need to play better at home and away because if you can put a run together, even winning three games in a row, we know we will be a lot closer.

"We need to get into a position where those above are watching us and worried because we are only just behind. Then we can put more pressure on.

"The most important thing is to start playing well more regularly.

"There are a lot of games where we have played good football. But if you are not consistent you make things more difficult for yourself.

"Now we must try in the last 14 games to improve. There will be more preparation time in between games which I think will help us. I'm sure the squad will show their best form now.

"To be in the top four, you have to have that consistency."

Benitez's biggest problem tonight is lack of personnel.

Didi Hamann and Antonio Nunez are suspended, while Florent Sinama-Pongolle has joined an injured list which still includes Chris Kirkland, Josemi, Xabi Alonso, Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell.

Vladimir Smicer has been included in the first team squad for the first time this season, while youngster Darren Potter also travelled to London.

Igor Biscan is set to partner Steven Gerrard in midfield, with Luis Garcia in line for a recall, possibly as a deep striker behind Fernando Morientes with Milan Baros staying on the right flank.